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Entry Level Linux Admin Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Linux Admin information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$52

$79

How much do entry level linux admin jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level linux admin in Chicago, IL is $52.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.32 and $61.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Linux admin do?

An Entry Level Linux Admin is responsible for maintaining, monitoring, and supporting Linux-based systems within an organization. Typical tasks include installing and configuring Linux operating systems, setting up user accounts, managing file permissions, and performing routine system updates. They also help troubleshoot issues, monitor system performance, and ensure the security and reliability of servers. This role often works under the supervision of senior system administrators and is a great starting point for those pursuing a career in IT infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Linux admin?

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Admin, you need a foundational understanding of Linux operating systems, basic networking, scripting, and troubleshooting skills, often supported by a relevant degree or Linux certification such as CompTIA Linux+ or LPIC-1. Familiarity with command-line tools, system monitoring utilities, and configuration management systems like Ansible or Puppet is needed. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you efficiently resolve issues and collaborate with IT teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring security, and supporting organizational IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Linux admins, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level Linux administrators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar system errors, managing permissions, and configuring network settings. These tasks can be daunting without prior experience, but utilizing documentation, community forums, and internal knowledge bases can help bridge gaps in understanding. Regularly practicing command-line tasks and seeking mentorship from more experienced administrators are effective ways to build confidence and competence. Over time, hands-on exposure to different Linux distributions and real-world scenarios will significantly improve troubleshooting skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Linux Admin vs Network Support Technician?

AspectEntry Level Linux AdminNetwork Support Technician
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC-1CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, cloud environmentsOffice networks, client sites, help desks
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise IT
Common TasksServer setup, Linux troubleshooting, scriptingNetwork configuration, hardware troubleshooting, connectivity issues

The Entry Level Linux Admin primarily focuses on managing Linux servers, scripting, and system maintenance within data centers or cloud environments. In contrast, Network Support Technicians handle network hardware, connectivity, and troubleshooting across various enterprise or client networks. While both roles require foundational IT certifications and involve troubleshooting, Linux Admins specialize in server and OS management, whereas Network Support Technicians focus on network infrastructure and hardware support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Admin jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Linux Admin jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Admin job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,746 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Entry Level Cloud Developer - Chicago, IL - 2027

Chicago, IL • On-site

IBM
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$58 - $79.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


IBM rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.
Your role and responsibilities
IBM Cloud platform is a one-stop shop which provides all the cloud solutions cloud tools the industries need. IBM Cloud portfolio includes infrastructure as a service (IaaS), software as a service (SaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) offered through public, private and hybrid cloud delivery models, in addition to the components that make up those clouds.
IBM Cloud ensures seamless integration into public and private cloud environments. The infrastructure is secure, scalable, and flexible, providing customized enterprise solutions that have made IBM Cloud the Hybrid Cloud Market leader with our market leading IAAS and PAAS Platforms. The IBM Cloud platform is the public cloud offering from IBM providing services to global enterprises. IBM Cloud is the Cloud for Smarter Business, built on Open Technology with Developer Tools and supports solutions by Industry. We run the services and workloads from Watson, Blockchain, Services, Security, and IoT.
Ready to help drive IBM's success in the Cloud market? This is your chance to research and learn new Cloud related technology products and services, as well as to design and implement quick Cloud based prototypes while advancing your career in leading edge technology.
Software Developers at IBM are the backbone of our strategic initiatives to design, code, test, and provide industry-leading solutions that make the world run today - planes and trains take off on time, bank transactions complete in the blink of an eye and the world remains safe because of the work our software developers do. Whether you are working on projects internally or for a client, software development is critical to the success of IBM and our clients worldwide. At IBM, you will use the latest software development tools, techniques and approaches and work with leading minds in the industry to build solutions you can be proud of.
These are the various areas of activities in which our Software Developers provide their contributions:
  • Implement and automate infrastructure solutions that support IBM Cloud products and infrastructure
  • Build & Set up test automation and pipeline frameworks in OpenShift and/or Kubernetes environments
  • Administer automated CI/CD systems and tools for development and test teams
  • Support the compliance and security integrity of the environment
  • Partner with other teams, managers and program managers to develop alerting and monitoring for mission-critical services
  • Support development of new and enhance existing capabilities for our compute infrastructure services
  • Provide technical escalation support for other Infrastructure Operations teams

Required education
High School Diploma/GED
Preferred education
Bachelor's Degree
Required technical and professional expertise
  • Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in: Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering or related majors.
  • Prior (project or internship) experience in development, computer hardware or testing.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Passion for technology and engineering.
  • Growth minded, trusted, team focused, courageous, resourceful, and outcome focused.

Preferred technical and professional experience
Proficiency in one or more of the following technology areas:
  • Working knowledge with one or more operating systems: Ubuntu (Preferred), RHEL, CentOS Linux, and Windows Servers
  • Working knowledge with one or more Virtualization technologies: Citrix Hypervisor (Preferred), VMware vSphere, Ubuntu KVM, etc.
  • Working knowledge with one or more programming tools: Java, Bash, PowerShell, Python, Ruby and Go.
  • Working knowledge with one or more key infrastructure tools/products: Active Directory, Ansible, Chef, etc.
  • Working knowledge with Container technologies: Kubernetes (preferred), Docker, etc.
  • Working knowledge with Monitoring technologies: Zabbix (preferred), Splunk, etc.
  • Working knowledge with Network and Storage technologies
  • Working knowledge with ServiceNow, JIRA, Confluence, and GitHub

ABOUT BUSINESS UNIT
IBM Systems helps IT leaders think differently about their infrastructure. IBM servers and storage are no longer inanimate - they can understand, reason, and learn so our clients can innovate while avoiding IT issues. Our systems power the world's most important industries and our clients are the architects of the future. Join us to help build our leading-edge technology portfolio designed for cognitive business and optimized for cloud computing.
YOUR LIFE @ IBM
In a world where technology never stands still, we understand that, dedication to our clients success, innovation that matters, and trust and personal responsibility in all our relationships, lives in what we do as IBMers as we strive to be the catalyst that makes the world work better.
Being an IBMer means you'll be able to learn and develop yourself and your career, you'll be encouraged to be courageous and experiment everyday, all whilst having continuous trust and support in an environment where everyone can thrive whatever their personal or professional background.
Our IBMers are growth minded, always staying curious, open to feedback and learning new information and skills to constantly transform themselves and our company. They are trusted to provide on-going feedback to help other IBMers grow, as well as collaborate with colleagues keeping in mind a team focused approach to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. The courage our IBMers have to make critical decisions everyday is essential to IBM becoming the catalyst for progress, always embracing challenges with resources they have to hand, a can-do attitude and always striving for an outcome focused approach within everything that they do.
Are you ready to be an IBMer?
ABOUT IBM
IBM's greatest invention is the IBMer. We believe that through the application of intelligence, reason and science, we can improve business, society and the human condition, bringing the power of an open hybrid cloud and AI strategy to life for our clients and partners around the world.
Restlessly reinventing since 1911, we are not only one of the largest corporate organizations in the world, we're also one of the biggest technology and consulting employers, with many of the Fortune 500 companies relying on the IBM Cloud to run their business.
At IBM, we pride ourselves on being an early adopter of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and blockchain. Now it's time for you to join us on our journey to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.
IBM is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, or other characteristics protected by the applicable law. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
OTHER RELEVANT JOB DETAILS
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

What IBM employees say

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About IBM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Armonk, NY, US

Year founded

1911

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